I think it’s interesting — no, not interesting, what’s the word? — goofy — that while the better-than-expected but not-great remake of George Romero’s DAWN OF THE DEAD was directed by someone called Zack Snyder, the similarly above-expectations but below-sensational remake of George Romero’s THE CRAZIES is directed by someone called Breck Eisner.

(The heavily Romero-inflected ZOMBIELAND was helmed by Ruben Fleischer, which sounds a bit too much like an actual name but almost fits the pattern.)

Presumably, for the inevitable remakes of MONKEY SHINES, MARTIN, CREEPSHOW and THE DARK HALF, young directors-to-be are currently changing their names to Jerk Steiner, Rock Visser, Prick Meister and Stork Ulcer. And for the re-remakes of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD et al, we will need reinforcements with names like Conk Ryder, Muck Pfister, Glock Pisser…

Meanwhile, George A Romero, without whom none of this mini-industry could exist, is still George A Romero. But maybe that’s a mistake? For his forthcoming SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD, isn’t there evidence aplenty that audiences would prefer to see a film by someone called Frisk Weezer or Spank Wicker? More market research is called for.

Let’s get this Film Club thing back on track. 15th March looks like the best date, going by my diary (I don’t know about yours). How about Fellini’s THE WHITE SHEIK — his first solo feature? I’ve somehow never seen the whole thing, plus it’s available —

The conversation might also take in LIGHTS OF VARIETY and the underrated co-director Alberto Lattuada, star Alberto Sordi, the fumetti medium, Fellini’s low-grade showbiz obsession, and inspirational silents THE SHEIK and SON OF THE SHEIK (the latter just fell into my hands so I’ll be watching it for sure). And whatever else we can think of.